Edinburgh has been undergoing something of a hotel revival of late, with slick new arrivals including the W Edinburgh and the upcoming Hoxton (due to open in early 2025) joining established spots such as Gleneagles Townhouse and the Balmoral. Added into that mix is boutique gem 100 Princes Street, which opened to much fanfare this April.
The first Scottish property from British hospitality group Red Carnation Hotels, it has a luxurious members’ club vibe, which you’ll notice as soon as you walk through the black lacquered door. That is, if you don’t walk past it first – there’s minimal signage outside and you need a room key to get in, which only adds to the air of exclusivity.
Once you’re in, it all feels deeply cosseting, with rich jewel tones, mood lighting and dark wood panelling. With superbly trained staff and an enviable location on one of the most iconic streets in the UK – as well as killer views – here’s everything you need to know.
Where is it?
As the name suggests, the hotel is located right on Princes Street, one of the best-known streets in the UK. Set a few blocks up from Edinburgh’s original grande dame hotel, the Balmoral, it boasts a prime location right under Edinburgh Castle – with the stellar castle views to prove it.
It’s the ideal location for a trip to the Scottish capital, just a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station (less than 10 minutes). The National art gallery, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the city’s Old Town are all within easy walkable reach.
Style
The building was originally the headquarters of the Royal Overseas League members’ club, and it’s clear Red Carnation have drawn on that history and sense of adventure when it comes to the interiors.
There are vintage globes and oil paintings of sea-faring steamers in the leather-walled lounge and bar on the second floor, where meals are taken. Elsewhere, you can’t miss the striking hand-painted mural that spreads up all five storeys of the stairwell, showcasing the global explorations of Scottish botanists, which was created by decorative painters Croxford and Saunders.
You can also expect plenty of tartan throughout, with chairs, sofas and walls bedecked in one of five bespoke tartans by Scottish designer Araminta Campbell. I loved some of the more playful touches, such as the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sporrans in all the guest rooms.
Which room?
The 30 cosy, inviting guest rooms have been designed to suit every sort of traveller; from compact single rooms to spacious suites. All of them come with sumptuous marble bathrooms, many with tubs for soaking in, and there are clever touches like switches to open and close the curtains or turn on the underfloor heating in the bathroom. If you can, go for one of the rooms or suites that offer a view of Edinburgh Castle, which looks particularly magical when lit up at night. Some suites also come with their own private terraces, but these don’t overlook the castle.
Of the suites, the Archibald Signature Suite is the grandest, named after the courageous Scottish explorer Archibald Menzies. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, it offers one of the most spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle in the entire city.
Food & drink
The hotel’s restaurant, The Wallace, has the feel of an elegant members’ club, helped by the fact that only hotel residents are permitted to dine there. Located on the second floor, this is where the excellent breakfast is served each day, where you can enjoy everything from tattie scone stacks and Belhaven smoked salmon to a full Scottish breakfast with black pudding and pork and haggis sausages.
This is also the place to come for an indulgent afternoon tea, with the distinctive chicken and almond sandwiches based on the personal recipe of Red Carnation matriarch Beatrice Tollman. The all-day menu, meanwhile, features comfort food classics like burgers, Scottish lobster rolls and traditional fish and chips, all made using the finest local produce.
At Ghillie’s Pantry, the hotel’s private dining room – complete with an astrological ceiling mural – the walls are lined with more than 100 whiskies, making it the perfect place to sample Scotland’s ‘liquid gold’. Whisky tastings are run by head bartender Dario Orisili, who certainly knows his way around the rarer single malts.
Facilities
As this is a boutique city-centre hotel, there’s no spa, nor is there a fitness centre. There are, however, plenty of delicious things to eat and drink, and the impeccable staff are always on hand to provide any local tips and advice. Dressed in a chic uniform of blue silk dresses or sharp tartan suits, they’re friendly and knowledgeable without being overbearing, keen to make guests feel right at home.
Extracurricular
The hotel offers an enticing raft of experiences, from private visits to Araminta Campbell’s atelier to the chance to design your own Scottish gin at Kingsbarns Distillery near St Andrews, around an hour’s drive away. As a big Harry Potter fan, I was particularly taken by their Harry Potter insider tour, which explores the city’s most famous Potter locations, including nearby Victoria Street, which is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
If you only have an hour or two for sightseeing, ask the concierge downstairs to create a bespoke itinerary for you – all the staff here know Edinburgh inside out.
What to Instagram?
That incredible view of Edinburgh Castle from your hotel room or behind you as you dine in The Wallace.
Best for?
Couples looking for a glamorous weekend away or a chic city break. Every guest is greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival, which sets the tone for an indulgent stay.
The details
It takes around four and a half hours by train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley, which is a ten-minute walk from the hotel. Flights from London to the Scottish capital take an hour and 20 minutes.
If you want to avoid the peak summer crowds, don’t visit during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which runs throughout August. Both spring and autumn are lovely times to go, as the weather tends to be on the milder side. But if you want to experience a proper Scottish knees-up, go for Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s raucous New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Rooms start from £450 on a B&B basis; for more information and to book. 100princes-street.com
